James "Jim" C. Codner

James "Jim" Codner, age 80 of Starbuck, formerly Glenwood died Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 29th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 4:30 p.m on Thursday at the funeral home. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Glenwood. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home. 

James Carl Codner, known affectionately as Jim to his friends and family, was born on December 5, 1943, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, to Donald and Rosalia (Stepan) Codner, Jim's life was marked by his loving nature, handy skills, and thoughtful presence.

Jim was a proud graduate of Clarissa High School in 1961. He furthered his education at Dunwoody Technical College in Minneapolis, earning a degree in Machining that would serve as the foundation of a lifelong career. For over three decades, Jim dedicated himself as the maintenance foreman at Challenge Homes and Glacial Ridge Health System in Glenwood, where his expertise and work ethic were highly valued.

On August 17, 1963, Jim united in marriage with Arlis Heid at the Catholic Church in Browerville, MN. The young couple first made their home in Coon Rapids before settling in Glenwood. Their loving union was blessed with three children: Paul, Christine, and Joseph. Arlis sadly passed away on November 26, 2001. Jim found love again and married Rebecca Nelson on May 24, 2003, blending their lives and families in a beautiful testament to enduring love.

Throughout his life, Jim was deeply involved in his community. He served with distinction as a Boy Scout leader, sharing his love of the outdoors and instilling values of leadership and responsibility in young scouts. Jim was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for his work with the Scouts. His commitment to safety and service was evident in his many years with the Glenwood Fire Department. He served on the department from May of 1979 until he retired in May of 1999, serving as the Fire Chief from 1995-1998. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Jim's faith and dedication to charitable work shone brightly.

Jim's personal interests were varied and reflected his love for hands-on activities. An accomplished gunsmith, he found joy in the intricate work of crafting and repairing firearms. Hunting and fishing were not only hobbies but also provided Jim with a deep connection to nature, which he cherished. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where his presence will be sorely missed.

Those who knew Jim will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His handy skills could fix almost anything, and his thoughtful nature made him a steadfast friend and neighbor. Jim's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and community involvement.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of family and community service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rebecca Nelson of Glenwood; his daughter, Christine (Michael Shuldhiess) Karnik of Farwell; his sons, Paul (Suzanne) Codner of Burnsville, and Joseph Codner of Montana; and his cherished grandchildren, Trevor, Ethan Codner, Rachel (Kyle Stratton) Karnik, and Violet Codner. Step-children and step-grandchildren, Dawn (Steven Zimmerman) Nelson, Christine Nelson, Christina (Jake) Adams, Christian (Sara Hernandez) Dusing and Beca Dusing. His memory will also be treasured by a host of other relatives and friends who felt his impact throughout their lives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Codner and Rosalia (Gil) Wiltermuth and his first wife, Arlis.

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